Parsnip Soup with Corned Beef and Cabbage

Use leftover corned beef or a few slices from the deli. Trim the fat from the corned beef and use it to sauté the vegetables. If there's not enough fat, supplement with butter.

Ingredients
 (1/8-inch-thick) slices cooked corned beef (4 ounces), 
fat trimmed, chopped (3 tablespoons reserved, divided)
2 Turkish bay leaves
2 large parsnips (about 13 ounces), peeled, coarsely chopped
2 cups chopped onions
3 cups (or more) low-salt chicken broth
3 large savoy cabbage leaves, center ribs removed
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
 
Directions
Sauté 2 tablespoons corned beef fat and bay leaves in large saucepan over medium-high heat until fat renders, about 2 minutes. Stir in parsnips and onions. Add 3 cups broth. Cover; simmer until parsnips are tender, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut cabbage and corned beef slices crosswise into very thin strips. Melt 1 tablespoon fat in medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add cabbage and corned beef. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss until cabbage wilts, about 3 minutes.

Working in batches, puree soup with bay leaves and cream in blender until smooth. Return to same pan. Rewarm soup, thinning with more broth if too thick. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls. Mound corned beef and cabbage in center. Makes 4 first-course or 2 main-course servings.


Source:  Bon Appétit,  Photo: Brian Leatart